Toronto Raptors Roundtable: Impressions from the early season
Who is Toronto’s biggest challenger for the Eastern Conference?
Thomas Valentine:
I want to say Milwaukee, but at the end of the day, I think it’s still Boston. It hasn’t really clicked offensively for them yet and there are some issues with Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward but they’ve still got enough to be a terrifying opponent.
They only really need to have an above-average offense to be a real contender, they’re still that good defensively. I don’t think much has changed in my mind, despite their admitted struggles early on in the year.
Koby Palimaka:
The biggest challenger for the Eastern Conference is the Milwaukee Bucks. Led by the unstoppable Giannis Antetokounmpo the Bucks have been on a tear this year and finally look like the real deal. Coach Budenholzer was a great offseason pick up and has been the thing that is clearly missing on the team. Not only does Giannis look like a potential MVP but Khris Middleton has changed his game and benefited greatly. The Bucks present a lot of size and skill and should not be trifled with.
Brian Boake:
Milwaukee has the best player in the Greek Freak and one heck of a Robin in Khris Middleton. They have better top-line talent than the Boston Celtics, though the green men are better balanced. Philadelphia needs to gets its roster in order (read: trade Markelle Fultz) before they can be considered ready for bigger things. Finally, don’t underestimate the Pacers.
Next. Who has over/under performed expectations this season for Toronto?. dark
Mike Bossetti:
It’s still the Boston Celtics. They’re the most talented team, and despite their early-season struggles, I’m relatively confident they will figure it out. Adding two high-usage players is never easy, and it’s too early for Boston fans to be discouraged. Milwaukee and Philadelphia are tough, but neither team has the firepower 1-8 like the Celtics.